Google announced it is taking the next step in its quest to mainstream wearable technology with its new Android Wear operating system. The first product is set to be a smartwatch that will be designed to show information and suggestions; give answers to spoken questions; provide heath and fitness information; and let you access and control other devices. Plus, it will feature automatic updates for Facebook, chats or news. And yes, it tells time.

Intel, Samsung, Fossil, HTC, Motorola and LG among others have formed an ecosystem to aid in the development of Android Wear. It's scheduled to appear "later this year."

Google is encouraging developers to download a preview of Android Wear to let them keep track of existing app notifications for watches using the operating system.

Google's real goal for Android Wear is cloud computing and data delivery. Android Wear is just another way to target consumers to Google's services. And ZDNet's Larry Dignan says Google is likely to pull it off.

Health tracker

Google's new smartwatch will also come in a square model. Google says one of the main features of its smartwatches will be to track your health.

Source: Google

Published: March 18, 2014 -- 04:00 GMT (21:00 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

OK, Google

Just say, "OK Google," and the watch will pick up your voice and hopefully do what you tell it to do.

Published: March 18, 2014 -- 04:00 GMT (21:00 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Jelly fish warning

Displaying important information will be one of the handy uses for Google's smartwatch.

Source: Google

Published: March 18, 2014 -- 04:00 GMT (21:00 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Sports applications

In related Google wearable news, CNET's James Martin was allowed to attend a practice of the NBA's Sacramento Kings for a test run for a new applicaton for Google Glass. When your favorite player is wearing the special glasses, you will be able to see what he/her sees (gallery).

Source: James Martin, CNET

Published: March 18, 2014 -- 04:00 GMT (21:00 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Player POV

Here's the device that fans will use to view the game from a player's perspective.

Google sets smartwatches with Android Wear OS (photos)

Google says it's developing a talking smartwatch as the challenge for its Android Wear operating system for wearable devices. Plus, Google shows off a new feature for sports fans on Google Glass.

Read Less

Google announced it is taking the next step in its quest to mainstream wearable technology with its new Android Wear operating system. The first product is set to be a smartwatch that will be designed to show information and suggestions; give answers to spoken questions; provide heath and fitness information; and let you access and control other devices. Plus, it will feature automatic updates for Facebook, chats or news. And yes, it tells time.

Intel, Samsung, Fossil, HTC, Motorola and LG among others have formed an ecosystem to aid in the development of Android Wear. It's scheduled to appear "later this year."

Google is encouraging developers to download a preview of Android Wear to let them keep track of existing app notifications for watches using the operating system.

Google's real goal for Android Wear is cloud computing and data delivery. Android Wear is just another way to target consumers to Google's services. And ZDNet's Larry Dignan says Google is likely to pull it off.